TWENTY-TWO | I'M IN A GETAWAY CAR

Diego started driving to the mall as Klaus and Tate piled behind in the backseat. Tate and Five didn't say a word since the argument took place, leaving everyone in fear whether they would solve their conflict themselves or had to step in.

The car halted, causing everyone to jolt up a bit. Everyone stared at the large crowd formed in front of them. "That doesn't look good," Luther spoke up, staring at the group of Keepers standing in front of them.

"Quick, back down of that alley so we're out of sight," Allison patted Diego's shoulder, suggesting them to remain discreent. Diego pulled his gear but instead of backing up, the car started moving forward, causing everyone to yell at Diego.

"Dude!" Tate yelled as the car before Five spoke up. "Back up, you idiot," Five said before Diego tried pulling on the lever. "I'm trying," Diego promised as everyone complained about the car moving forward.

"Tate! Use your powers to stop the car!" Five turned to his wife. "I'm trying!" Tate said, using her telekinesis to hold the car in place but the car moved faster as if it got a small push from Tate's powers.

"Come on, you piece of shit," Diego muttered, pulling the lever in different directions. Diego hit the dashboard in frustration before Baby Shark started playing on the radio again. "What are you doing?" Klaus asked in disbelief as Tate tried holding the car down.

"Hit the brakes!" Lila called out to her husband.  "I'm trying!" Diego said, pushing down on the brakes. "It's not working!" Diego yelled, causing Tate to roll her eyes. "Come on, man. You're gonna get us all killed," Klaus urged him to hurry up.

"I can't hold the car down, it's too heavy!" Tate shouted as her energy started to drain. "Now would be an excellent time for somebody to do something!" Klaus yelled as the Keepers start surrounding the car.

Diego's car raced forward before grazing another car, the metal door screeched as it passed through the other car, causing everyone to stare in horror. "Oh fuck!" Diego exclaimed before Allison pulled the emergency brake. 

"Shit!" Klaus shouted as the car halted again, jerking everyone forward. Diego pulled on the engine again but was given a sputtering sound, the car failing to move.

Everyone turned to the window to see the Keepers holding up their guns at them. Luther awkwardly waved at the group, "Hey,"

Tate flipped off Lance, raising her middle finger before they started shooting at them. "For the love of God, shoot them," Gene held up his gun against the window.

"Duck, bitches!" Tate immediately lowered her head as everyone ducked down as the window began to shatter. "Go! Go! Go!" Lila called out to everybody as they got out of the car, keeping their heads down.

"Hey! I just replaced those!" Diego shouted at them for destroying the windows. "Maybe you shouldn't have cheap out on the brakes!" Five and Tate shouted in unison as the Keepers continued shooting at them.

"To be fair, new ceramic pads on a vehicle this old isn't a good investment," Luther added as the car started vibrating from the bullets it was taking. "Stop yapping and start doing!" Klaus cried as he covered his ears.

"Like what? There's too many of them!" Allison shouted before Tate turned to her husband. "I'm still pissed at you but do the blinky and get us to the store. Now!" Tate ordered, tugging onto her husband's arm.

"That doesn't work anymore," Five yelled before Lila turned to him. "You got to try, Five," Lila encouraged. "I can't, all right?" Five stated before Lila suggested. "I'll mimic your power, we'll do it together," Lila said as Tate nodded frantically.

"You know we're gonna end up in the subway," Five reminded her before Tate cupped his face, bringing her close to his face. "Do not think about the past, just focus on me," Tate insisted, staring into Five's eyes with urgency as the Keepers continued to shoot at the car.

"If you're gonna do something, now would be the time," Allison reminded, pointing to their current situation. "Our family needs us, I need you," Tate added, sending him an urgent frown.

Five reluctantly agreed, holding onto Tate's hand tightly as everyone huddled up closer to Five and Lila.

Everyone landed on their back as they teleported to the Mall. "What is that?" Klaus asked as he turned around to see Viktor and Ben. "Oh my god, I think it's Ben," Allison said as Five lent out a hand for Tate to grab.

"Stay where you are!" Viktor stopped his family as he struggled to get up. "Viktor, you're hurt. Come here," Luther tried getting Viktor to join the group. "No, I'm fine, just don't touch Ben!" Viktor ordered as he stood up warily.

"Vik... please," Tate pleaded as Jennifer came out from under the escalator. "Is that Jennifer?" Allison asked as the girl struggled to breathe. "Get away from him!" Her voice came out a warped, deep voice as she held onto the handrail.

"Ben, please," Viktor pleaded as Diego and Tate winced at the horrific sight. "Please let me help you," Viktor begged as he tried approaching him. "Leave now," Ben warned, his warped voice matching Jennifer's.

"I... I can't control it," Ben said as he struggled to breathe. "I don't wanna hurt you," Ben warned, his voice reverting to his normal voice. "Ben..." Tate struggled as Viktor latched onto Ben's arm.

"What's he doing?" Luther asked as Tate stared at the orange energy Viktor was creating. "He's pulling out the Durango," Allison answered before Tate tried lunging towards Viktor.

"We should help him!" Tate called out before Five and Klaus managed to pull her back. "Are you crazy? I can't lose you to something so stupid," Five pleaded as he brought his wife to his side.

"Viktor, let him go!" Allison hollered out as Five held Tate close to his side, interlocking his hand with hers. "I can save him!" Viktor cried out as the durango coursed through his body. "Five..." Tate pleaded as Five turned to his wife.

"No, you are not going over there!" Five yelled as he gripped her hand tighter. A window shattered as a bullet flew past everyone, aiming for Ben. The bullet barely flew past Viktor as Ben let go of his arm.

The bullet hit Ben sharply before Jennifer caught him in her arms. "Viktor!" Tate cried as Ben and Jennifer's faces morphed into one.

💌
noticed how I completely ignored the five and Lila arc, very demure, very mindful, I don't go ask actors to live out my ao3 fantasies

but their arc of being stuck together for five* years will be mentioned in the next chapter or so

also it's aidan's 21st bday, happy birthday, my love <3

also 3k reads is fucking crazy tysm